Gear Source shows Planning Board plans for espresso bar

North Creek  Sometimes it’s about the process. The Monday, Aug. 27 meeting of the Johnsburg Planning Board didn’t result in any earth-shattering decisions but in tackling the routine business or the evening, the board declared through its actions that the process is working.

The Tracy family purchased the former ice cream hut on the north end of the hamlet and has used it as a private residence. It has no kitchen and is smaller than it needs to be for a rental unit and therefore state and local codes prevent the family from renting it to a tenant. So after agreeing to install a kitchenette and getting a waiver from the state regarding the size, the Tracys appeared before the Planning Board for the necessary approval to allow them to let the building.

After some cordial explanations, the board asked the Tracys to reappear next month with a map that shows where the kitchenette will be located in the building and where the building is located on the property, as well as the location of the septic and leach field. They’d also like to see the paperwork from the state that waives the minimum size requirement. Doing so should allow for a completed application and could lead to the approval the family seeks.

Gear Source owner Jeff Palka wants to diversify his ski/cycle/camping equipment store — a five-year-old business now located on Ordway Lane — by adding an espresso bar. He’s gotten Department of Health approval and came before the board Monday seeking its approval.

The espresso bar will feature a couple of tables inside and four chairs outside and will offer espresso and other beverages.

Planning Board Chair Dottie Osterhout asked if she could get hot chocolate. She’s not much of a coffee or espresso person, she said. Palka told her she could get hot chocolate.